The Fertitta's (Frank and Lorenzo), men in the (ever so upstanding) casino business, bought the UFC in 2001 for a paltry $2-million. They fought hard to get MMA sanctioned throughout the USA, invested in the sport, built up stars, and created a phenomenon. In the Forbes article below it states that Zuffa Inc., the ownership group controlling the UFC, has been offered more than $1-billion to sell the company as recently as last year. They have invested tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars in their company, but turning a $2-million business into a $1-billion business in seven years is incredible. And much to the chagrin of the critics of the sport, Zuffa has done this by continuously making it significantly SAFER for those involved. http://www.forbes.com/business/forbes/2008/0505/080.html
hmm wonder who offered up the billion for the franchise? Vince McMahon? I like most of what Zuffa and Dana White are doing with the UFC, there is still room for improvement though, so I'm glad they didn't sell. I just hope they get a TV Deal with one of the 4 major networks soon.
finally got to read the article.. great stuff some quick facts posted in it In just six years Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta have turned ufc from a cash-bleeding loser into a $1 billion champ. Here's a look … Price the Fertittas paid for UFC in 2001: $2 million Value today: $1 billion-plus UFC estimated 2008 sales: $250 million UFC is estimated to control 90% of the mixed martial arts industry. UFC pay-per-view buys in 2001: 145,000 UFC pay-per-view buys in 2007: 5.1 million The average UFC pay-per-view event draws 3 million male viewers between 18 and 49--often the same as a big college football GAME. UFC employs 275 fighters. Most make more than $100,000 a year. Superstars make millions. The average ticket price of a live UFC event in 2007: $250
